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Warhammer 40,000
Void King
Witness the deadly politics and incredible wealth of the Imperium's privateers, as three powerful rogue trader dynasties put their considerable assets to work for the greatest crusade in millennia.
Proud Lamertine. Fierce Helvintr. Cunning Radrexxus.
Since the halcyon days of the Great Crusade, these noble rogue trader dynasties have plied the void in the Emperor’s name, answering to whomsoever sits as the king of the Davamir Compact. There has been profit and adventure and abundance in these times… Yet now the galaxy is changed, divided by the birth of the Great Rift. As plans are drawn up for the most immense crusade imaginable, the Emperor’s reborn son demands that the Compact seek a way across the Rift.
When tragedy and betrayal threaten all their endeavours, it is the Lamertine heir, Erastus, who must rise to the fore – to guide the disparate forces of the Compact in service to their sacred mission, to avenge the wounds done to them by hidden hands, and to reveal the darkest secrets threatening the Imperium’s dreams of unity…
Proud Lamertine. Fierce Helvintr. Cunning Radrexxus.
Since the halcyon days of the Great Crusade, these noble rogue trader dynasties have plied the void in the Emperor’s name, answering to whomsoever sits as the king of the Davamir Compact. There has been profit and adventure and abundance in these times… Yet now the galaxy is changed, divided by the birth of the Great Rift. As plans are drawn up for the most immense crusade imaginable, the Emperor’s reborn son demands that the Compact seek a way across the Rift.
When tragedy and betrayal threaten all their endeavours, it is the Lamertine heir, Erastus, who must rise to the fore – to guide the disparate forces of the Compact in service to their sacred mission, to avenge the wounds done to them by hidden hands, and to reveal the darkest secrets threatening the Imperium’s dreams of unity…
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2022
35 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Marc Collins
30 books72 followersMarc Collins is a speculative fiction writer from Glasgow, Scotland, covering diverse topics from Norse werewolves to the grim darkness of the far future. When not working in Pathology, he enjoys a dram and pondering our transhuman future, inspired by writers such as Iain M Banks.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 10, 2025
Sometimes, no matter how much we love something - it is simply not that good. Such is this novel.
With Act 1 and 2 being a slog to get through, the big reveals just didn't land, even if Act 3 actually picked up and became more coherent than its predecessors. While Marc's prose is beautiful, it also quickly becomes mind-numbing. The marvel-esque battles and actors of this novel just came off as cheap and underdeveloped. Main character, Erastus, for whom we are meant to cheer, is just not a likeable character. Not only his gentle touch lacks reason behind it, the sudden power up he gets just comes off as unrealistic and forced.
The ending is definitely trying to set itself up for a sequel but I'm not sure I would read it if it ever came to be. The only character I actually enjoyed following in the end, became underutilized in last moments of the book and just didn't deliver the blow they were supposed to. The other characters became simple cliches and overdone tropes. And when there are too many of those - everything comes off as a cheap attempt at a grand story.
Two stars because this is not utterly awful, but the bad vastly outweighs the good.
With Act 1 and 2 being a slog to get through, the big reveals just didn't land, even if Act 3 actually picked up and became more coherent than its predecessors. While Marc's prose is beautiful, it also quickly becomes mind-numbing. The marvel-esque battles and actors of this novel just came off as cheap and underdeveloped. Main character, Erastus, for whom we are meant to cheer, is just not a likeable character. Not only his gentle touch lacks reason behind it, the sudden power up he gets just comes off as unrealistic and forced.
The ending is definitely trying to set itself up for a sequel but I'm not sure I would read it if it ever came to be. The only character I actually enjoyed following in the end, became underutilized in last moments of the book and just didn't deliver the blow they were supposed to. The other characters became simple cliches and overdone tropes. And when there are too many of those - everything comes off as a cheap attempt at a grand story.
Two stars because this is not utterly awful, but the bad vastly outweighs the good.
December 28, 2022
I really struggled with the writing style of this book. I know it’s one of his first novels and the story was really interesting. But I found it confusing and hard to follow at times.
November 4, 2022
Void King is a fun but ultimately unimportant 40k adventure. While the stakes were high for the characters involved, I didn't find myself really connecting with any of them. Quite honestly, they are all jerks. That shouldn't be surprising, they were meant to be jerks. But I did not really care if they accomplished their goals or not, I was just along for the ride.
September 25, 2023
Devoid
WH40K is a universe of parody, where relativistic timekeeping results in partisan warfare and bureaucratic typos deploy conquering armies to the wrong planet. Incompetence stemming from arrogance or corruption is a common theme. With that in mind, Void King challenges my preconceptions on whether it’s a self-aware parody of Rogue Traders and their tortured place in the setting.
Despite an entire third of the novel spent on backstory, the deep dive into Rogue Trader dynasties remains superficial. Each faction has a single personality trait: the merchants, the technologists, and the warriors. There’s little to ground their existence in the wider Imperium: nothing about their base of operations nor political connections. In truth, they’re petty warlords commanding fleets of irregulars and bicker like tribal kings, rather than acting like ten-thousand-year-old powerhouses with direct authority from the Emperor.
Bickering is all the protagonists accomplish under Erastus’s leadership. He’s the heir of a dynasty, appropriately incompetent and naive, but his cold-hearted advisors are all but missing. The other Houses are no better, accepting laughable rationalizations at face value and suggesting self-destructive courses of action. The worst offenders are the Fenrisians, who forgot that deception is part of the art of war and offered valuable intelligence to the enemy through inane blustering.
As a spotlight on Rogue Traders, Void King needs to take notes from Matthew Farrer’s Legacy. As a sardonic tale of ancient, corrupt institutions long past their due date, the author makes a compelling case for the cleansing fires of war. I laughed at the grim outcome, but the self-serious style of the novel leaves me wondering if I missed the plot.
Recommended with Reservations.
WH40K is a universe of parody, where relativistic timekeeping results in partisan warfare and bureaucratic typos deploy conquering armies to the wrong planet. Incompetence stemming from arrogance or corruption is a common theme. With that in mind, Void King challenges my preconceptions on whether it’s a self-aware parody of Rogue Traders and their tortured place in the setting.
Despite an entire third of the novel spent on backstory, the deep dive into Rogue Trader dynasties remains superficial. Each faction has a single personality trait: the merchants, the technologists, and the warriors. There’s little to ground their existence in the wider Imperium: nothing about their base of operations nor political connections. In truth, they’re petty warlords commanding fleets of irregulars and bicker like tribal kings, rather than acting like ten-thousand-year-old powerhouses with direct authority from the Emperor.
Bickering is all the protagonists accomplish under Erastus’s leadership. He’s the heir of a dynasty, appropriately incompetent and naive, but his cold-hearted advisors are all but missing. The other Houses are no better, accepting laughable rationalizations at face value and suggesting self-destructive courses of action. The worst offenders are the Fenrisians, who forgot that deception is part of the art of war and offered valuable intelligence to the enemy through inane blustering.
As a spotlight on Rogue Traders, Void King needs to take notes from Matthew Farrer’s Legacy. As a sardonic tale of ancient, corrupt institutions long past their due date, the author makes a compelling case for the cleansing fires of war. I laughed at the grim outcome, but the self-serious style of the novel leaves me wondering if I missed the plot.
Recommended with Reservations.
December 11, 2022
Brilliant but confused at times
To start with, I really enjoyed the portrayal of a rogue trader house, part of a larger group going through a rough succession, which would make a good stand alone book.
However the MC varies too much. Is he naive and just a merchant? Easily led? Or a visionary who will accept no compromise. Depends on the point in the plot with no real progression of the character to explain these changes (simplified to avoid spoilers). Also great rift stuff is lacking. At best.
This book could do with a sequel, but would probably need a reworking so one could actually be worked in!
To start with, I really enjoyed the portrayal of a rogue trader house, part of a larger group going through a rough succession, which would make a good stand alone book.
However the MC varies too much. Is he naive and just a merchant? Easily led? Or a visionary who will accept no compromise. Depends on the point in the plot with no real progression of the character to explain these changes (simplified to avoid spoilers). Also great rift stuff is lacking. At best.
This book could do with a sequel, but would probably need a reworking so one could actually be worked in!
January 16, 2023
An interesting take on the 40K universe, detailing the exploits of a compact of rogue traders.
It didn’t feel similar to other Rogue Traders such as Kal Jericho, but the immersive writing and world building more than made up for it.
A classic coming of age story, with hidden enemies and intrigue it still had plenty of combat and action to keep the story moving.
Some characters felt very familiar (Astrid and Katla) but there was enough difference to make it interesting.
Well worth a read for something different to the run of the mill Space Marine bolted porn.
It didn’t feel similar to other Rogue Traders such as Kal Jericho, but the immersive writing and world building more than made up for it.
A classic coming of age story, with hidden enemies and intrigue it still had plenty of combat and action to keep the story moving.
Some characters felt very familiar (Astrid and Katla) but there was enough difference to make it interesting.
Well worth a read for something different to the run of the mill Space Marine bolted porn.
October 26, 2022
I have not read any previous Rogue Trader books and apart from the occasional mention of them in various BL books was not aware of their peculiarities, I found this book engaging and I learnt a lot about what a bunch of petulant children the RT actually are, I admit to not really having any empathy or rapport with any of the characters, it’s definitely worth reading and Marc Collins is getting better and better with each book
November 17, 2022
A great read and I'm ready for more!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great beginning to what promises to be a great story. The characters were very well written and it gives you an insight into what Rogue Traders are and their role in the Imperium of Man. Marc Collins knows how to entertain and doesn't disappoint!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great beginning to what promises to be a great story. The characters were very well written and it gives you an insight into what Rogue Traders are and their role in the Imperium of Man. Marc Collins knows how to entertain and doesn't disappoint!
December 30, 2022
Excellent new addition to the universe that covers a game of thrones style interconnected alliance of rogue traders. Does a good job of keeping you guessing and engaged throughout. Led by an excellently written main cast.
July 9, 2023
terrible and terrific
I loved this book. I’m not a fanboy of everything 40K but I love the universe. This presents it’s darkness and light beautifully.
As a book- there were some narrative problems and questions that occurred but overall a good read. I hope they do a second and even a third volume.
I loved this book. I’m not a fanboy of everything 40K but I love the universe. This presents it’s darkness and light beautifully.
As a book- there were some narrative problems and questions that occurred but overall a good read. I hope they do a second and even a third volume.
July 26, 2023
This absolutely demands a sequel! I hope this is the start of a great series.
July 25, 2025
this one was definitely saved by the third act.
April 14, 2025
My first Rogue Trader read, and it was quite enjoyable too. I grew incredibly fond of Erastus as we journeyed with him, and I really like seeing him grow through the book. He’s a perfectly fine character, if not particularly complex.
I quite enjoyed the story as well, although it could drag sometimes. The writing style was not my favourite, but it was palatable, and the pacing was pretty decent. Overall, a fun read
I quite enjoyed the story as well, although it could drag sometimes. The writing style was not my favourite, but it was palatable, and the pacing was pretty decent. Overall, a fun read
November 3, 2022
A small peek into the livelihoods of rogue traders
A fun exploration of the infamous rogue traders and how very different and unique they are from each other. Unfortunately a rather standard story template underlines most of the story which made it difficult to return to as I had worked out what was going to happen very early. Great characters throughout however they were all trapped within a storyline that left no surprises.
A fun exploration of the infamous rogue traders and how very different and unique they are from each other. Unfortunately a rather standard story template underlines most of the story which made it difficult to return to as I had worked out what was going to happen very early. Great characters throughout however they were all trapped within a storyline that left no surprises.
January 12, 2024
2.5 stars.
I really wanted to be gripped by this book, especially because it touches on a group of people in the Imperium of Man that the Black Library hardly places in their novels - Rogue Traders. With the recent release of the Rogue Trader game, it seemed like the perfect time.
It is quite obvious from the outset that this is Marc Collins first piece of work. The pacing, at times, can be quite haphazard, spending long segments on introspection and detailing then rushing through other aspects of the book. The assault after the Norastye betrayal seemed rushed when it could have played out longer, with the build up of its culmination being quite deflating. The revelation of the Radrexxus Dynasty as a Genestealer Cult was a surprising choice of antagonist, especially given the nature of Rogue Traders and their voidfaring lifestyles.
However, there were flashes of good in this book that I did enjoy. Collins writing is pleasant to read from a purely literary standpoint, for starters, and although the GSC reveal was still a choice in my perspective, it was in hindsight foreshadowed quite well in several chapters throughout the book. I also enjoyed the rather gritty ending, a pyrrhic victory that doesn't quite seem like one in the grand scheme of things and sets up a sequel quite nicely.
Overall I would say this book is uncomplicated. If you enjoy Rogue Traders, it's definitely a fun read, however for anything involving complexity plots and in the relationships between characters that are tied in more than Erastus, Astrid, Katla and Gunthers, this might not be the book for you. Enjoyable if you want an easy read.
I really wanted to be gripped by this book, especially because it touches on a group of people in the Imperium of Man that the Black Library hardly places in their novels - Rogue Traders. With the recent release of the Rogue Trader game, it seemed like the perfect time.
It is quite obvious from the outset that this is Marc Collins first piece of work. The pacing, at times, can be quite haphazard, spending long segments on introspection and detailing then rushing through other aspects of the book. The assault after the Norastye betrayal seemed rushed when it could have played out longer, with the build up of its culmination being quite deflating. The revelation of the Radrexxus Dynasty as a Genestealer Cult was a surprising choice of antagonist, especially given the nature of Rogue Traders and their voidfaring lifestyles.
However, there were flashes of good in this book that I did enjoy. Collins writing is pleasant to read from a purely literary standpoint, for starters, and although the GSC reveal was still a choice in my perspective, it was in hindsight foreshadowed quite well in several chapters throughout the book. I also enjoyed the rather gritty ending, a pyrrhic victory that doesn't quite seem like one in the grand scheme of things and sets up a sequel quite nicely.
Overall I would say this book is uncomplicated. If you enjoy Rogue Traders, it's definitely a fun read, however for anything involving complexity plots and in the relationships between characters that are tied in more than Erastus, Astrid, Katla and Gunthers, this might not be the book for you. Enjoyable if you want an easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
Sorry, I have to say the important thing right now at the beginning, Void King is the worst WH40k novel I have ever read.
I have also read the Grim Repast by Mark Collins a few months ago, which wasn't very good, but still much better than the Void King.
The characters are flat and stereotypical, some are almost like caricatures. Their behavior is hard to believe or understand and one cannot identify with them.
Conversations between characters are just chain of odd phrases, statements and clichés and sounds extremely empty and unnatural.
Even the plot of the story does not make sense in many places.
An idea of rogue trader novel sounds totally interesting, but the Void King offers you literally nothing.
The last thing I wanted to state is, that Marc Collins can't write exciting or engaging fight scenes. This issue is even worse during the void combat. RT ships apparently don't use any auspexes or sensors and are surprised by everything.
Narration was OK. Joe Shire did a good job. Not exceptional, but good.
I wanted to listen The Martyr's Tomb as my next audiobook, but now I totally lost my appetite for another Marc Collins novel.
I have also read the Grim Repast by Mark Collins a few months ago, which wasn't very good, but still much better than the Void King.
The characters are flat and stereotypical, some are almost like caricatures. Their behavior is hard to believe or understand and one cannot identify with them.
Conversations between characters are just chain of odd phrases, statements and clichés and sounds extremely empty and unnatural.
Even the plot of the story does not make sense in many places.
An idea of rogue trader novel sounds totally interesting, but the Void King offers you literally nothing.
The last thing I wanted to state is, that Marc Collins can't write exciting or engaging fight scenes. This issue is even worse during the void combat. RT ships apparently don't use any auspexes or sensors and are surprised by everything.
Narration was OK. Joe Shire did a good job. Not exceptional, but good.
I wanted to listen The Martyr's Tomb as my next audiobook, but now I totally lost my appetite for another Marc Collins novel.
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed the first half of this novel and the characterization of the main character. He's a boy king thrust into his new role, and there's a good delve into his insecurities and anxieties. I also enjoyed the character of the space station ruler who was cybernetically grafted to his domain and the ending was rather unexpected but worthy of kudos.
The latter half of the book was weaker and just turned into a slog of by-the-numbers combat scenes. I dislike how the Radrexxus characters devolve from interesting people into their Official Game Miniatures (tm)(c)(r). It was a poor choice to sap them of their characterization at the climax of the novel.
The latter half of the book was weaker and just turned into a slog of by-the-numbers combat scenes. I dislike how the Radrexxus characters devolve from interesting people into their Official Game Miniatures (tm)(c)(r). It was a poor choice to sap them of their characterization at the climax of the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
DNF. Uninspired and dull, most of all the lack of ingenuity deterred me. The final example of that before I quit: "A reflection of past glory, and future promise." Such bloodless off-the-shelf phrases can have their impact, but here little else was used. Where the author felt like coming up with their own similes, they were purely clinical and without feeling.
The plot: An adolescent struggling to live outside the shadow of their oh so disappointed father. And, no, the plot doesn't try to make it hard for them.
The plot: An adolescent struggling to live outside the shadow of their oh so disappointed father. And, no, the plot doesn't try to make it hard for them.
December 8, 2022
Barely passable there are many better choices for Black Library novels and I would only say read this if you're stretched for choice and want something 40k, I managed to finish it but only barely not sure why I found it mostly just boring? Events that should have been interesting and exciting were once again glossed over and the boring parts are fleshed out with just too many words... and what is that ending?
March 29, 2023
De principio a fin me mantuvo atento, tanto que termine de leer en dos días y quedé con un buen sabor de boca… No es una lectura para todos, y definitivamente no es el primer libro que le recomendaría a alguien que está adentrándose al mundo de Warhammer. Pero rompe un poco con algunos elementos que no me han gustado tanto de los libros más recientes. Lo volvería a leer, y si sale en español sería uno de los primeros en comprarlo.
September 2, 2023
Underrated swashbuckling adventure in space. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2023
It reads like teen fiction. I’m sure it would be rated higher if you like that but not for me.
January 11, 2024
Excellent opening, but the middle gets seriously bogged down, and I absolutely did not care for the ending
January 28, 2024
Extremely predictable twist. There are many much better 40k stories. Entertaining enough though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
6/10. Decently written but just alright overall.
November 21, 2025
That was a hard read.
TBH I skimmed it.
Mess.
Typical 40k book.
TBH I skimmed it.
Mess.
Typical 40k book.
November 12, 2025
This was given to me by my husband who plays Warhammer 40k. And it is obviously written for players of Warhammer 40K. I felt really lost in the world and the lore, because I don't play there was a lot I was expected to understand that I just didn't.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews